All posts tagged Rebels

It’s all about the branding–even in the chaos of Syria’s deadly, two-year war.

On the sidelines of the battle between rebels and government forces, there’s a running competition–sometimes an armed fight–between rebel groups vying for funds and weapons.

Their brand image, many rebels say, can sometimes make or break a deal with rich, private donors in the Gulf or the ultraconservative Sunni Muslim clerics pouring money into the Syrian rebellion.

It’s not uncommon to see bearded, robed sheiks mingling with Syrian rebels in some of the fancier hotels of Antakya, the southern Turkish city that has served as something of a rear-base for Syrian rebels and activists.

These benefactors ask to see YouTube proof of the rebels’ military prowess. And the fancier the video, rebels say, the better.

For other brigades, it’s not about funds and arms–but hearts and minds. Some hope their brand image–everything from their logo to responsiveness on Twitter–can help them win the favor of dissident Syrians who have grown critical of an armed rebellion they see as having strayed from the goals of a peaceful uprising. Read More »